I hate threads like this because I’m never helpful. But this has bothered me for nigh on forever, and I’ve just given up finding it on my own.
First off, it’s NOT “The Rocking Horse Winner,” though that’s what some people have suggested. Same (very) general idea, I suppose.
I read it in a Junior High reading class. It was about a boy who would make up challenges for himself, like that if he can do X physical task, there will be pie for dessert. One day, he’s coming home from school and tells himself if he can’t (I think) ride or run to the next telephone pole before a car comes by, his mom will die. He doesn’t make it, and well, she dies.
Later he tries something else, telling himself that if he makes it, it will bring her back, but it doesn’t work.
I’m a bit vague on the exact details, but if anyone can figure this out for me, I’d be eternally grateful.
I’m no help here, but Booksleuthmight be. Just make sure you read the tips on titling your post first - “Looking for a book” is so obviously unhelpful there, yet so many people use it!
From the Shocklines message board (they’re never stumped for long):
“I believe it’s Bradbury’s “The Miracles of Jamie”. It’s collected in Long after Midnight, for the forthcoming PS edition of which I’ve written the introduction.”
That’s the story I immediately thought of. He starts thinking that he’s the second coming of Jesus and can will miracles to happen by passing tests he sets for himself. After the incident mentioned in the OP (he sets himself a test that he tells himself will save his mother, he fails, she dies), he resolves to never perform another miracle again.
That is awesome.